FAQ

• What is the Toronto Geological Discussion Group?
• When do we meet?
• Where do we meet?
• Can I access previous meetings?
• Do TGDG meetings count as Continuing Professional Development credits?
• What if I can't make it in person?
• Cancelling my TGDG membership

What is the Toronto Geological Discussion Group?

Since 1945, the TGDG has organized special events and speakers for geologists, mining engineers, mining analysts and students. 

In the fall of 1945, after the field season had ended, a small group of men led by Duncan Derry founded the Toronto Geological Discussion Group (TGDG)  based out of the Engineers’ Club, in the basement of 105 Victoria Street. In those days, women couldn’t enter the Engineers Club without an escort – and went through a side door for Members and Escorts (thank goodness times have changed!). In February 1947, a splinter group broke off from the TGDG to form the Geological Association of Canada (GAC). The TGDG maintained its independence, and the two organizations have since remained on good terms, which is why there is no Toronto Section of the GAC.

While the early organization of the TGDG is not certain, in 1978 Raymond Goldie took over as Secretary-Treasurer from David Wahl (there being no President, CEO or Chairman). It was during this time that the group was federally incorporated as a non-profit organization, and proceeded to organize a series of seminars (often as joint ventures with other organizations) on special topics. The leadership position of the group was handed over to Daryl Hodges in 1996, who was followed shortly thereafter by Neil Gow. In 2011, Lynda Bloom took over the organizing position and quickly assembled a committee to assist in running the Group. In addition to the regular meetings, the TGDG now began organizing periodic half-day mini-symposiums on various special topics. Throughout the ensuing years, committee members have come and gone, and the group has maintained a friendly, inclusive and geology-oriented approach. There is still no President, CEO or Chairman to this day. 

TGDG talks and mini-symposia commonly focus on recent developments at topical mining properties and cover early through near-development stage projects. The emphasis is on geology, new deposit models and the application of exploration techniques. Talks are 40 minutes with 15 minutes set aside for questions and discussion. Post meeting receptions provide a networking opportunity often with more than 50 to 80 members attending.

Where speakers have made their presentations available to us for dissemination, these can be downloaded from the Speakers page under “Previous speakers”. Note that not all presentations are available for download due to privacy constraints.

When do we meet?

4 pm. to 5 pm. on every second Tuesday between mid-September to mid-December and mid-January to mid-May

To get in touch with the organizing committee, use the contact form provided on this website

Where do we meet?

Twenty Toronto Street (formerly called the Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre) Suite 200, 20 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario

Please note that due to fire regulations room capacity is limited. Register early to secure your place!

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Can I access previous meetings?